SKILLSAFE EU

Skills Enhancement for Safe Handling of Highly Flammable Refrigerants in the EU

Europe is on the brink of a heat pump revolution. Driven by the RePowerEU plan and stringent F-gas regulations, millions of heat pumps will be installed across the EU in the coming years. While this transition is essential for a greener future, it also presents significant safety challenges.

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THE PROJECT

Current safety standards often do not cover the entire lifecycle of these heat pumps, putting installers and homeowners at risk.

A promising refrigerant for heat pumps is R290 (propane), which has a minimal environmental impact.  However, its flammability requires special handling and installation. Current safety standards often do not cover the entire lifecycle of these heat pumps, putting installers and homeowners at risk. To make matters worse, existing safety guidelines across Europe are fragmented, with different regulations and standards at national and industry level. This lack of a consistent approach hinders the safe and efficient installation of heat pumps.

Better Safety Guidelines

Regulation and Stardards

Consistent Approach

Who Are We

What are SKILLSAFE-EU for?

SKILLSAFE-EU is responding to this critical need. Our project aims to develop a comprehensive, industry-wide guideline for the safe design, storage, transport, installation, and disposal of R290-based monobloc heat pumps for residential use. By bringing together leading manufacturers, industry associations, and training institutions, we will create a robust framework to upskill installers and safeguard our communities.

Through extensive testing and feedback, we will refine our guidelines to ensure they meet the practical needs of the industry. Our work will not only enhance safety but also accelerate the adoption of sustainable heating solutions across Europe.

Overview information

Total cost

€1,363,696.51

EU contribution

€1,295,511.68

Number of partners:

4

Months of duration:

36

Project Resources

The Project Resources section provides a structured repository of project deliverables, relevant documents, and communication & dissemination kits created to support stakeholders in understanding and engaging with SKILLSAFE EU prject. These resources reflect the latest advancements across our project and are curated to provide comprehensive insights and valuable materials to help fully engage with our objectives and contribute meaningfully to our collective mission.

Dissemination Package

NEWS & EVENTS

The News and Events section offers a curated selection of articles, press releases, and information on events we organised, such as webinars. Here, stakeholders can stay informed on the latest developments, milestones, and insights from our project, through timely updates offering an in-depth look at our ongoing work and contributions to the industry. Explore to stay connected with the latest activities and achievements driving our mission forward.
Discover All

Joint Announcement: Real Alternatives and SKILLSAFE EU Collaborate to Strengthen Safety Training in the HVACR Sector

8 April 2026

The Real Alternatives project and SKILLSAFE EU are pleased to announce the launch of a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing safety training for professionals working with flammable refrigerants, with a particular focus on R290 heat pump systems. This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting the safe and sustainable transition towards low-GWP refrigerants across Europe, by strengthening skills, improving accessibility to training, and promoting harmonised standards. Building on an

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SKILLSAFE-EU featured in EU Research magazine

30 March 2026

We are pleased to share that the SKILLSAFE-EU project has been featured in EU Research magazine, highlighting our work on developing our guidelines for the safe handling of R290 heat pumps. The article presents how the project contributes to improving installer skills, enhancing safety, and supporting the transition towards natural refrigerants in the heating and cooling sector. It also emphasises the importance of clear guidelines to build consumer confidence and

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SKILLSAFE EU pilot trainings advancing across Europe

12 March 2026

The SKILLSAFE EU project has successfully launched its first pilot trainings, marking an important step in strengthening safety knowledge and skills for professionals working with R290 heat pump systems across Europe. The first SKILLSAFE EU pilot training took place at LG Electronics Benelux in Amstelveen, hosted by LG Electronics. The session brought together trainers from France, Greece, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and the Netherlands, creating a valuable opportunity for exchange

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Our third newsletter is OUT!

30 January 2026

In January 2026 the third number of SKILLSAFE EU  bi-annual newsletter was sent out! This second number serves to collect all the activities we have done in the last 6 months of the project, from the starting of the training programmes, the continuity of the work done together with the selected Join Industry Expert Group, to the various international events in which we have participated to present them. Download it

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Register to our next webinar!

5 November 2025

The European heat pump market is booming — but scaling up deployment requires more than technology. It demands a skilled workforce able to plan, install, commission, and maintain systems safely and effectively.  This webinar will offer a unique opportunity to discover how three EU-funded projects are shaping the future of heat pump training and skills:  SKILLSAFE EU is creating safety guidelines and training for installers, with a strong focus on handling flammable refrigerants like R290.  HeatCraftHP is developing curricula, simulators, and

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Our second Newsletter is out!

8 July 2025

In July 2025 the second number of SKILLSAFE EU  bi-annual newsletter was sent out! This second number serves to collect all the activities we have done in the last 6 months of the project, from the publication of the first version of the  Guidelines, together with the selected Join Industry Expert Group, to the various international events in which we have participated to present them. Download it here to discover

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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project coordinator:
Nishant Karve
karve.n@daikineurope.com
Communication and dissemination coordinator:
Francesca Tamburrini
francesca.tamburrini@ehpa.org
Allright Reserved - SKILLSAFE-EU
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